MANILA, Philippines – Sunday night’s game between Bay Area and Barangay Ginebra ended in a 101 to 91 loss for the Dragons, jeopardizing their chances of winning the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The best-of-seven title series is currently three games to two in favor of Brian Goorjian and his team, but despite their current slump, the Australian coach didn’t sound discouraged.

And with good cause.

On his way out of Pasay City’s Mall of Asia Arena, he exclaimed, “I’m pleased with the way the men kept fighting.” “I’m happy that a handful of our players tonight got to play even though they don’t usually,” the coach said.

He said, “Scotty Ewing, Qilong Zheng… the individuals who haven’t been playing minutes, they did well.”

Ewing and Zheng were each averaging less than four points per game during the midseason showcase, but with import Andrew Nicholson and captain Glen Yang both out with ankle injuries, the backups each put up double-digit scores, which is encouraging for the visitors.

I’m glad about that because it gives us more depth moving into the next game, Goorjian added.

Goorjian is finding comfort in the prospect that Bay Area might play at full strength in Game 6 on Wednesday in addition to the welcome assistance from his rarely used players.

We’ll take a chance if there’s any chance. Regarding Nicholson’s situation, he declared, “I’m putting 50 to 50 there.” “I’m placing [Yang] with a 75 to 25 advantage.”

The Canadian star should have strengthened the left ankle he damaged in Game 3 by the time Wednesday’s game began because Nicholson would have had about a week of recovery from his ailment.

The guest crew’s situation starts to improve, but the Gin Kings are struggling with uncertainty.

On Monday, Tim Cone stated to the Inquirer that LA Tenorio was dealing with an abdominal strain on a daily basis. He might not be able to play next matches

On that particular evening, Tenorio was observed limping as he left the bayside arena. He has been playing for about 30 minutes every game, but in Game 5, he was only in uniform for about 20 minutes, scoring only eight points in the process.

Cone declared that “he’s so essential to what we do, especially in the playoffs.” He serves as our captain, ball handler, and organizer. He is our top dog. In addition, he serves as our emotional leader.

If he doesn’t get an opportunity to play, “we’re going to miss all those things,” the speaker continued.